Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable - What is it and how does it differ from Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP)?
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) cable, also known as Foil Twisted Pair (FTP) or STP (Shielded Twisted Pair), is a network cable that has additional shielding to protect it from electromagnetic interference. In contrast to Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), which is a basic type of network cable, shielded twisted pair has foil or braided copper wire shielding around each pair of wires. This shielding provides better protection against electromagnetic interference and allows for signal transmission over longer distances without loss of quality.
Throughput and Categories of Shielded Twisted Pair Cables
Shielded twisted pair cables are available in various categories, with each category having specified throughput. The most commonly used categories are 5e, 6, and 6a. Shielded twisted pair Category 5e has a throughput of up to 100 MHz and is mainly intended for home and office use. Category 6 has a throughput of up to 250 MHz and is more suitable for industrial networks and other applications requiring higher throughput. Shielded twisted pair Category 6a can transmit signals up to 500 MHz and is primarily used in data centers and other applications that demand high throughput.
Advantages of Shielded Twisted Pair
Shielded twisted pair has several advantages compared to unshielded twisted pair. One of the most significant advantages is protection against electromagnetic interference, allowing for signal transmission over longer distances without sacrificing quality. Shielded twisted pair is also more resistant to external interference, meaning it is less susceptible to failures and malfunctions. Additionally, shielded twisted pair is typically more durable and resistant to mechanical damage, which is particularly important in industrial applications.
Disadvantages of Shielded Twisted Pair
It's important to note that shielded twisted pair is more expensive than unshielded twisted pair and requires special tools and installation techniques
